About Me
Art from The Start
(L to R) Andy (age 4), Lori (age 3),
and Chip Leakas (age 5)
Special thanks to my mom – as she encouraged creativity and art from the beginning! In this photo – you can see the coloring books and crayons she had given us to “keep us busy”.
Mom recognized my ability to draw and really offered to let me begin exploring my creativity. I can recall taking watercolor classes at the downtown YMCA in my early teens. In high school – art classes were among my favorites with Mr. Griffin.
In the early 70’s I would go to the Living Arts Center 1-2 times a week and had Willis “Bing” Davis for a teacher where I took classes in painting and sculpture. In later years – I took classes at The Dayton Art Institute in painting mostly.
I attended the University of Colorado (1978-79) and joined The Boulder Potters Guild and created numerous ceramic sculptures along with pottery.
I always hoped that someday I could get back to creating more art. So now – in 2021 – I plan to catalogue past art pieces here and create many new pieces! Thanks for checking this out! Chip
Media
- Started with drawing and sketching with a pencil.
- Of course, crayons and markers a favorite. I have included an oil pastel from the '90s in the painting section.
- From there – I moved to watercolors in coloring books and watercolor classes.
- In my teens, acrylic painting classes and bronze sculpture.
- In college in Colorado – I really got into ceramics (raku) and ceramic (stoneware) sculpture.
- A lifelong student of photography, I began experimenting with videography in the ’90s.
- I have always had a passion for graphic design and dabble in many programs to create logos, flyers, brochures, etc.
- Also in the 90’s I learned website design – where I could use my graphic design skills.
My Inspirations - Many Muses
I try to work from my own photos in the case of my recent interest in paintings.
Occasionally, I will ask for permission to use a friend's photos if I see them online.
As for my sculptures and other works, it's from imagination.
Drawings have been done directly from the subject matter in front of me.